The courage of some is often awe-inspiring. To have overcome a life-threatening event and to continue to display an insurmountable strength is a task unachieveable for most, but for John Tartaglio, a freshman at Fairfield University, it is the story of his life.
A couple of years ago, Tartaglio was diagnosed with clostridium septicum – a severe bacterial infection that had taken refuge within his body.
As a result, both of his legs have been amputated, limiting him to the use of a wheelchair or prosthetics.
Now, two years later, he has completed two 5k races in the course of one month, each in a little over an hour, with the use of prosthetics.
His most recent race was held Sunday, April 23, amidst the seemingly intolerable spring rain.
Though Tartaglio admitted that the course was “tougher and hillier” than the last, he still managed to complete the race in an hour and four seconds, beating his last run’s race by almost fifteen minutes.
The race was held at Tartaglio’s alma mater, Foran High School, in an attempt to raise money for high school seniors hoping to attend college.
“I just thought it would be a nice thing to do,” he said in an interview with the Connecticut Post. “It’s a way for me to give something back.”
The turnout was successful, several fellow Fairfield students attended to support the cause. The effort raised a total of $4,000.
Tartaglio’s motivation is further evident in all the milestones he sets for himself.
“My prostheticist put me up to the challenge,” says Tartaglio when asked how he began running. “He asked if I wanted to have him build some running legs and if I would use them to compete. I said ‘yeah’, and we continued training.”
As a freshman at Fairfield University, he is currently majoring in Biology Pre-Med. Despite the intense workload that accompanies a Biology major, he continues to train.
His modesty is overwhelming, and this is a fact reaffirmed by all of those who know him.
“I think it’s important for people to know that it’s not the disease that shaped him, it just made him stronger,” said close friend Jamie Butler ’09.
“I don’t know the person he was before this, but I don’t think he was any different except that now he’s more tuned in to what is more important in life,” said Butler. “His attitude is more admirable than anything else. He’s more motivated than anyone I know.
What is next for Tartaglio?
“I’m hoping to run a 10k race next year,” he told the Connecticut Post. “That’s my mid-range goal. I’m also looking to do some triathlons in the future.”
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